5 Superfoods for a Healthy Future

When were young, we lived our lives a little more carefree, unaware of how our choices might affect our future. Making healthy decisions right now will greatly impact your quality of life down the road.

Eating plenty of foods packed with nutrients will build a great foundation! Here are five of our favorite superfoods that will get you started right.

5 Superfoods Packed with Nutrition

Garlic.
If you (and your significant other) can handle a little garlic breath, you should probably up your intake. This flavorful ingredient is full of vitamins B6, C, and manganese, a nutrient that helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis. While we're at it, weight lifting is also helpful with building bone density. Worried about getting sick? Garlic is also full of antioxidants to ramp up your immune system, helping protect you from using up those sick days (and from vampires).If you're concerned about heart disease, garlic has been shown to significantly reduce high blood pressure. Hearts just love garlic!
Cashews.
If you're in need of an iron-rich punch, cashews are the snack for you. These little nuts contain zinc as well, another immune system booster. As if you needed another reason to munch on cashews, they also contain magnesium which is linked to improving memory - and hey, we all know how frustrating it is to forget where the car is parked.
Salmon.
We just love this oily, flaky fish! It is rich and flavorful, and also full of fats (which is good since they aren't the enemy any more). The omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon can slow plaque buildup inside blood vessels, which means a very happy and healthy cardiovascular system. Not a fan of fish? Supplementing with high quality capsules or bottled fish oil will work as well.
Honey.
We keep harking on how bad sugar is for you, however honey (in moderation) can actually make a positive impact on your health. Try adding some honey to your tea for an extra boost of antioxidants and energy. Studies have also shown that consuming honey that is local to your area can help reduce seasonal allergies. Isn't that sweet?
Spinach.
We know kale is the hot new thing, but spinach is the way to rock your world old-school style. This leafy green is a great source of all kinds of vitamins and nutrients: vitamin K, vitamin E, folate, copper, potassium, magnesium, and the list goes on! These are linked to everything from managing diabetes, to reducing the risk of cancer. You can't beat that. If you have trouble getting enough of those leafy greens in each day, try adding a handful of spinach to your smoothie in the morning.

Quantity doesn't always win over quality, so when altering your diet remember to work towards finding the right balance for you. Like these suggestions? You may want to check out some surprising health foods that aren't actually very healthy!

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[Credit: How 11 Superfoods Will Improve Your Life (And Help You Live Longer). Mental Floss.]